9 minute read
Waukee Family YMCA
Waukee YMCA Keeps Kids & Adults Busy This Summer
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With school out of session, parents look for ways to keep their kids busy during the summer. Look no further than the Waukee YMCA (Y), which offers a full slate of programming to keep kids – and parents – occupied all summer long. The Y is perhaps best known for its swimming lessons.
Each year, more than 1 million children and adults learn to swim in YMCA-sponsored classes. This summer brings an exciting change to the Y’s aquatics program, with the introduction of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum for all YMCA swimming lessons.
All Y swimming instructors received 30 hours of Water Safety Instruction (WSI) certification through the Red Cross in preparation for the new curriculum. The program focuses on building water skills one step at a time as students move through six levels of instruction, according to Elsbecker.
“By giving them the opportunity to master one element before moving on to the next, the swim classes make it easy to build confidence in the water,” he said. “The Red Cross [program] allows everyone the opportunity to learn in a safe environment, at their own pace.”
- Zach Elsbecker, Executive Director of the Waukee Y
Learn-to-Swim Offers Parents & Children Chance To Learn Together
The Learn-to-Swim program is open to children and adults of all skill levels and abilities. The program will be beneficial for children aged six months to three years. For these kids, the Y offers Parent & Child classes for free with a family membership to the Y. “In the preschool program, parents or guardians of children up to three years of age will actively participate in their children’s swim lessons,” Elsbecker said.
He notes that parental participation benefits not only the child but the parent as well. “This not only helps increase the child’s comfort level in the water but can help parents understand the process and practice skills with their children between classes.”
Swim lessons are ongoing throughout the summer, but session registration closes one week before the start date. Morning and evening sessions run Monday through Thursday. Remaining sessions for this summer run from July 11-21 and July 25-Aug. 4.
Hannah and Norah on day six of their level one lessons at the YMCA.
Summer Day Camp Burns Off STEAM
Another option for kids is the Y’s Summer Day Camp program, which runs through Aug. 8 for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. Brookview, Eason, and Waukee Elementary schools host the camps. It operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with pre-and post-camp care provided at no additional cost.
Elsbecker notes that each week of camp brings a new theme to keep kids engaged throughout the summer.
“‘Burning Off STEAM’ will focus around science, technology, engineering, art, and math, while providing campers a chance to explore their creative sides,” he said.
Space is limited throughout the rest of the summer for day camp, but “wait lists are open as families change summer plans and book those last-minute vacations.”
So keep an eye on the Y’s website as the summer progresses!
Adults Stay Active With New Fitness Equipment
Kids aren’t the only ones who can benefit from programming at the Y. The Y offers an abundance of fitness and group exercise classes for adults throughout the day to accommodate busy schedules. Most classes are included with membership, meaning there’s no need to register ahead of time.
- Zach Elsbecker, Executive Director of the Waukee Y
He notes adults can reserve courts for pickleball and racquetball, and take advantage of the Rec or Lap Pools for water aerobics, lap swimming, or even adult swimming lessons.
In January, the Y updated the fitness equipment on their Wellness Floor, providing more options. These options include additional power racks with platforms, new dumbbells, benches, and Hammer Strength weight machines. Also added is a new line of EGYM equipment, which provides “a fast, efficient circuit workout customized to your personal fitness goals.”
Members receive a quick onboarding to learn how to use the machines, a few physical measurements, and a strength test on each piece of equipment.
“From there, each time a member logs in, the machine sets to their height and range of motion, along with the weight and reps prescribed to meet your goals,” he said.
Many people appreciate that the EGYM equipment provides a custom workout plan.
“Members have enjoyed the ‘gamification’ aspect, along with its ability to take the guesswork out of what to do when they come to the gym.”
Fall Programs Focus On Player & Personal Development
It’ll soon be time to sign kids up for fall programs, and the Waukee Y has plenty to offer.
“Fall is full of opportunities for our community,” Elsbecker said.
Flag football and fall soccer will be offered for youth sports, focusing on player and personal development. Flag football is no-contact for boys and girls aged three through eighth grade. Plus, with a family membership, participation in the Y’s rookie league is free.
Elsbecker says before and after school childcare will also be offered this fall by the Y at Brookview, Eason, and Waukee Elementary schools. He notes that registration for school is already underway but parents can call the Y’s Welcome Center at (515) 987-9996 for more information.
No matter your age, fitness level, or preferred activity, the Waukee YMCA has something for everyone this summer!
ZACH AND THE YMCA OFFICE TEAM
Anyone you know passionate about swimming or looking for a great job? The YMCA is looking for WSI Certified Swimming Instructors and Lifeguards to join the swim team! For more information to go dmymca.org/work-y
From the Dietitian, Let’s Take Savasana
Sa-va-san- what? When I first tried yoga, I remember thinking I was learning a new language! Instructors would call out Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Chaturanga Dandasana, and Warrior II. While the poses challenged my balance and core strength, I noticed yoga became this enjoyable, constant reminder to slow down, be present, and focus on doing one simple thing: breathe.
Multitasking Machines?
As a dietitian, I see my clients, family members, and even myself as multitasking machines. I’m busy. You’re busy. The person in front of you at the car wash is busy. Nowadays being busy is just who we are – but it doesn’t have to sabotage living a healthier lifestyle! I look forward to visiting my local yoga studio and powering down. My body and brain crave this energy shift.
Savasana — or Corpse Pose — is a pose of pure relaxation. Instructors often joke it’s their favorite pose, yet the most challenging as well. Why? It’s easy to want to fidget, think of your to-do list, or what’s for dinner. Our minds often think of what’s next rather than being present in the moment. Practicing savasana helps condition the body to release stress by gradually relaxing one body part at a time, one muscle at a time, and one thought at a time. In turn, it helps bring the body back to homeostasis and lower cortisol levels — aka the stress hormone. Additional whole-body benefits may include:
• Improved gut health and digestion; • Strengthened immune system; • Better sleep; • Reduction in overeating and stress eating; • Improved mood; and • Increased sense of mindfulness around food consumption and food choices.
Set Your Intention
Yoga teaches us to be kind to our bodies and recognize that every day is different on and off our mat. I find these same principles easily relate to food too. My nutrition needs vary day to day, and I need to keep calm and chew with intention. Reducing stressful situations when we’re eating, like checking emails or having stressful conversations, can also help make sure our digestion is running smoothly.
While awareness is half the battle, take action and add more calm vibes to your life with this simply refreshing recipe:
Chili-Lime Watermelon Salsa (Makes 1 1/2 cups)
All You Need
• 1 cup finely chopped seedless watermelon • 1/2 cup seeded and finely chopped yellow tomatoes • 1/3 cup finely chopped jicama • 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice • 1 tsp salt-free chili-lime seasoning blend • Crumbled queso fresco, garnish • Multigrain tortilla chips
All You Do
• Combine watermelon, yellow tomatoes, and jicama in a medium bowl. • Add lime juice and salt-free chili-lime seasoning blend; toss to coat. • Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. • Garnish with crumbled queso fresco cheese, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips or on top of cooked fish, poultry, or pork.
Namaste!
Erin Good, RD, LD Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian
egood@hy-vee.com 515-216-2770
Put your mind at ease with our 4-week Healthy Habits menu program! Enjoy weekly meal plans outlining exactly what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. You’ll also receive weekly check-ins with your dietitian and itemized grocery lists. Contact Erin to get started today!
Follow your favorite Hy-Vee Dietitians now on Instagram AND Facebook! @HyVeeHealth
A Picture-Perfect Deck
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